Bill
Bill > AJR186
summary
Introduced
06/13/2024
06/13/2024
In Committee
06/13/2024
06/13/2024
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
01/12/2026
01/12/2026
Introduced Session
2024-2025 Regular Session
Bill Summary
This joint resolution designates the month of July of each year as "Diverse Business Month" in support of diverse-owned businesses in the State of New Jersey. Businesses owned by persons of color, women, veterans, and members of the LGBTQ+ community are an essential part of New Jersey's economy. Persons of color own 21.7 percent of business in the State, while women and veterans own 39.6 and 4.2 percent of the State's businesses respectively. With the passage of P.L.2024, c.10, which allows certain businesses to identify as an LGBTQ+ owned business, more than 150 business in the State are also LGBTQ+ certified businesses. The large number of diverse-owned businesses in the State also contributes to the significant economic output that diverse-owned businesses provide nationally. Among businesses owned by persons of color alone, over $1.3 trillion in receipts were generated nationally in 2020, according to the United States Census Bureau. Despite their large economic impact, diverse-owned businesses in the State continue to face certain challenges to growth, which include limited access to capital. Additionally, a Statewide study examining the availability and utilization of State contracting opportunities for diverse-owned businesses found significant disparities for diverse-owned businesses in formal prime contracts for construction, professional services, and general goods and services. It is thus in the public interest of this State to raise awareness of the positive economic impact of businesses owned by persons of color, women, veterans, and members of the LGBTQ+ community and to focus on ways to support diverse-owned businesses. The observance of a "Diverse Business Month" each year will provide an opportunity for government officials, community leaders, and business leaders to focus on ways to support diverse business owners and to help them succeed.
AI Summary
This joint resolution designates July as "Diverse Business Month" in New Jersey to recognize and support businesses owned by persons of color, women, veterans, and LGBTQ+ individuals. The resolution highlights the significant economic contributions of diverse-owned businesses, noting that in New Jersey, persons of color own 21.7% of businesses, women own 39.6%, veterans own 4.2%, and over 150 businesses are LGBTQ+ certified. Despite their economic importance, these businesses face challenges such as limited access to capital and disparities in state contracting opportunities. The resolution aims to raise awareness about the positive economic impact of diverse-owned businesses and calls on the Governor to issue an annual proclamation encouraging public officials, community leaders, and business leaders to observe the month with appropriate activities and programs that support and celebrate diverse business ownership. By establishing this monthly observance, the resolution seeks to draw attention to the vital role of diverse businesses in New Jersey's economy and promote their continued growth and success.
Committee Categories
Business and Industry
Sponsors (2)
Last Action
Introduced, Referred to Assembly Commerce, Economic Development and Agriculture Committee (on 06/13/2024)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2024/AJR186 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2024/AJR/186_I1.HTM |
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